Ford honors Bakersfield triathlete for charitable work
| Friday, May 14 2010 11:06 PM
Last Updated Friday, May 14 2010 11:06 PM
ST. GEORGE, UTAH When Bakersfield resident and triathlete Corey McKenna stepped up to the starting line at Ironman St. George, he had already been awarded the Ford Ironman Everyday Hero award earlier in the week at the Athlete Welcome Dinner.
The award was given in part for Corey's work in raising money for Ride To Walk, a horseback riding therapy that his late niece, Allison Ellis, attended.
The "Everyday Hero" award program was created by Ford to recognize the efforts of special athletes who have had a positive impact in their respective communities.
McKenna received an entry into any full-distance Ironman event in the continental United States in the coming year, including those already full to general entry, a $1,000 donation to a local charity of his/her choice and other prizes.
Ford presents an "Everyday Hero" Award at each of the 7 full-distance Ironman events.
The "Everyday Hero" Award is geared toward athletes who have contributed to a person, charity or organization in a significant way and who have done so while undertaking the rigorous training for a event.
When Ellis died of cerebral palsy in 2009 at the age of 4, Corey and his wife, Jennifer, set up a memorial scholarship fund that would benefit families who have children with disabilities by allowing them to attend Ride To Walk, whose mission is to enhance the lives of children and young adults with neurological disabilities by providing innovative theraputic horseback riding activities that are recreational in nature and adapted to the individual's needs and disabilities.
